Truck drivers are an essential part of the American economy, but they have been poorly compensated and forced to work dangerous hours for years. This has resulted in a national truck driver shortage nationwide that continues to worsen. Los Angeles has been particularly hit heavily. Truckers need a voice to represent them in negotiations with transportation companies. A truck driver wage attorney or a truck driver personal injury attorney often provides that voice.
Impact of the Truck Driver Shortage in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is well-known for being an entertainment mecca. The television and film industry pays annual wages of about $188 billion for around 2.5 million jobs. It also has booming sectors like music and gaming, and a vibrant hospitality and tourism industry that attracts millions of visitors each year.
Thanks to its excellent weather, top-notch universities, and the strong business climate overall, Los Angeles has long been a leading destination for investors in the biosciences. It also has the largest defense and aerospace industry in the country. And finally, given its continued development as a global hub for trade and transportation networks, construction is expected to stay robust.
The transport of goods and materials is key to the continued growth of L.A.’s large economy. Whether it’s bringing in raw materials for production or hauling finished products out to market, the movement of goods plays an essential role in keeping businesses running smoothly.
The serious and worsening nationwide truck driver shortage caused significant delays and disruptions in many industries, particularly in California, where food production is so vital to the economy. Farm producers are among those hit hardest by the trucker shortage.
Given that a large percentage of California’s produce is grown on small family farms, there aren’t enough truck drivers to bring farm produce to market. With so much food left sitting in the fields, supplies could quickly start running low, and prices would rise significantly.
Los Angeles Truckers
Companies in L.A. in desperate need list thousands of job openings for drivers on job sites online. Many entice applicants with incentives like signing bonuses and training reimbursement.
Still, few are attracted to work in trucking. People in L.A. know that wages are too low, and there are ongoing issues regarding safety and work hours.
Unfortunately, not all truckers know that some unjust working conditions are labor violations. That’s why Truck Driver Rights has lawyers dedicated to protecting the rights of truck drivers to safety and fair wages.
Whether a trucker needs a truck driver wage attorney or a truck driver personal injury attorney, we help secure compensation in cases involving unjust wages, unreasonable work hours, and personal injuries related to work.
Wages and Work Hours
Employers pay truckers in a few ways—by the hour, miles driven, or load delivered. Most pay truck drivers piece-rate based on the covered miles or the load delivery. That results in wages that are lower than what the truckers deserve.
In paying by the mile or by the load, employers do not pay for all the hours truckers spend doing tasks related to the job. They often do not comply with the law regarding piece-rate payment. Truck drivers must know this.
California’s Piece-Rate Compensation Law
California’s Labor Code requires that the piece-rate payment must not be lower than the state minimum wage for every hour worked. Since August 2021, that is $13 to $14 an hour. If a truck driver’s delivery took eight hours, the payment must be at least $104 no matter how many miles were driven or how much the load was.
The law also requires that in addition to the piece-rate payment, truck drivers must be paid separately for their other work hours. That covers the hours when they inspect and repair vehicles, load and unload the truck, or attend meetings and training. Delays due to bad weather and rest breaks are also covered.
If your employer pays you below the standards required by law, contact a truck driver wage attorney. Your Truck Driver Rights lawyer will pursue proper compensation for you.
Regulations on Hours of Service
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has set Hours of Service regulations to protect truck drivers.
30-Minute Break from Driving
The Hours of Service regulations require truck drivers to have a break of 30 minutes if they drive for eight hours with no interruption. Truckers can do other tasks like vehicle inspection or refueling during the break.
Provision for Adverse Driving Conditions
Truck drivers have a driving limit of 11-hours, but they can extend this for two more hours due to adverse road conditions. That covers inclement weather with heavy rain or snow and traffic accidents.
If your employer demands unreasonable work hours, talk to them about the issue. If they refuse to comply, see a truck driver wage attorney for legal help.
Risks to Health and Safety Faced by Truck Drivers
Truck drivers spend long hours on roads, and the work is solitary, exposing them to many health risks. They are usually stressed and suffer from overfatigue, leading to chronic body pain. Many truck drivers also battle mental health issues. Their ability to drive can be impaired by these medical issues, increasing the risk of accidents.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), long-haul truck driving increases the risk of truckers developing:
- Hypertension
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- Diabetes
Truck Drivers’ Rights
The Surface Transportation Assistance Act grants truck drivers several rights as protection against unsafe working conditions. These the:
- The right to refuse to drive an unchecked, overloaded, or faulty vehicle
- The right to refuse to drive when ill or fatigued
- The right to refuse to drive under adverse weather conditions
- The right to refuse to breach Hours of Service
- The right to file a complaint at the Department of Transportation against their employer
Suppose an employer forces a truck driver to drive in any of the unsafe conditions listed above, and the trucker gets into an accident. In that case, the employer is liable. Also, the truck driver can file a personal injury claim for negligence against the employer. A truck driver personal injury attorney can help you with this type of case.
Do not wait to get into an accident. If your employer requires that you drive even in unsafe conditions, get prompt legal assistance from Truck Driver Rights. A lawyer will ensure proper compensation for you for any possible violations of labor laws.
Los Angeles Truck Drivers’ Wage and Personal Injury Attorneys
Truck Driver Rights has represented truckers and helped protect truck drivers’ rights for more than 20 years in lawsuits, class actions, and mediations.
We can assist you in contesting and resolving legal issues in truck driving, such as unfair compensation, lost wages, and personal injury.
Contact Truck Driver Rights online or call 877-700-0009 for a free consultation.